The Iraq inquiry - a difference of opinion

News that Gordon Brown is to announce an inquiry into the Iraq war is reported rather differently by The Telegraph which states

"Like the Franks Inquiry, which was overseen by privy counsellors, it will hear its evidence behind closed doors. "

. Whilst the BBC state

"watching closely to see whether the long-awaited inquiry is to be held in public or private. "

My prediction is that like most Gordon Brown "initiatives", this will be more smoke and mirrors. There is no way that Gordon Brown and Jack Straw will allow a full public inquiry into the events leading up to the Iraq war. Cabinet papers that would show what if any objections were raised by Gordon Brown and Jack Straw will not be released and the whole story of Lord Goldsmith's changing advice will also be kept from the eyes of voters. This inquiry will have, just like the the Butler and Hutton inquiries before it, a carefully restrictive terms of reference.